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In the final weeks of the regular season, each of these unlocked games brings a different level of significance to both squads participating.

Some are trying to extend their lead away from the middle to solidify home court. Others are trying to entrench themselves in that middle crust of playoff teams to avoid any movement downward in the final games of the season. Three games, in particular, stand out the most.

Tuesday, 8/22 (7 pm EST): Connecticut vs. Washington

The Sun still sit in third, amongst their own tier below the Aces/Liberty, and above the middle tier of playoff teams. For the first time since June of 2021, Connecticut has endured a three-game losing streak, unfamiliar territory for a rock-steady group.

The post-All-Star Break stretch has been a process for the Sun, playing .500 basketball since the return from Vegas. They’ve struggled with offensive consistency, particularly in the half-court, and their rhythm hasn’t been quite the same. Taking every opportunity to tweak things, click, and find their stride before the playoffs is vital for a group that has no interest in bowing out early.

Enter the Washington Mystics, currently below .500 (15-16 at the time of writing), a far cry from where they envisioned themselves before the year. Injuries have hurt the Mystics at every turn, made it difficult to find a stable rotation, and forced a rotating starting lineup; the projected starting unit has been the starting lineup just 11 times this season.

However, Washington is finally starting to get healthy. While minutes restrictions are currently in place, having the starters back is massive, and for a team that hasn’t beaten Connecticut this season, snagging a win in their final regular season matchup to climb the standings and earn a signature win would be huge for a team that could be rounding into form before the postseason.

Tuesday, 8/22 (8 pm EST): Dallas vs. Minnesota

After their own 0-3 stretch, the Wings responded by beating the Sun in back-to-back games, the only team in the league that owns victories over all three of the top teams in the W. Dallas has the feel of a team that could really make something shake in the playoffs.

Their size causes headaches and matchup problems, often playing with three players on the court 6’2 and taller, including two 6’7 posts in Teaira McCowan and Kalani Brown that have exquisitely played within their roles. Arike Ogunbowale torches and uplifts with her off-the-dribble shot-making, scorching the Sun with seven triples to blow open their most recent matchup.

Satou Sabally and Crystal Dangerfield have been the connective forces of a high-powered offense, and Natasha Howard has provided an all-around presence as a secondary scorer and defensive bolster.

When this team is clicking, they are a buzzsaw.

This is the first of two games between the two teams this week, both pivotal, but the first is essential in setting the tone for the home and home. Dallas has a chance to continue to claw upwards and potentially take advantage of some of Connecticut’s recent struggles. Minnesota has a chance to continue to stake out its own fate heading into the playoffs.

The Wings own the season series 2-0, including a blowout 40-point win from just before All-Star.

How do the Lynx pivot without starting point guard Lindsay Allen (out with a thumb injury), and stabilize without her steady hand? Dallas’ length and activity on defense have proven problematic for opposing teams, and I’d expect that to continue for a Lynx team missing their most consistent playmaking guard.

It will be key to watch how Diamond Miller continues to acclimate; she’s had a breathtaking rookie season, filled with flashes and exciting stretches, but understandably inconsistent as a rookie. If Minnesota is going to continue to solidify itself, I’d expect a bump in efficiency or another step forward from Miller alongside franchise star Napheesa Collier.

This two-game series will be instrumental for either team in a positive or negative light.

Thursday, 8/24 (8 pm EST): Las Vegas vs. Chicago

After a three-game winning streak and an uptick in play after the All-Star break, the Sky have lost four straight, and are in danger of missing out on the playoffs entirely after this skid has dropped them to the ninth seed.

Considering that the Sky don’t own their own first-round pick in the coming draft, making the playoffs is imperative.

The Aces, on the other hand, are coming off their first loss at home (that counts on the record, RE: the Commissioner’s Cup Final) to a red-hot Sparks team. They’re still playing incredibly high-level basketball, but have been the first to readily admit it’s not to their standards. The final weeks of the season are not likely to be lethargic for a team yearning to repeat as Champions.

WNBA reporter Mark Schindler writes a column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter at @MG_Schindler. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.